Chapter 59

When it comes to a party at the Albert household, it goes without saying that the invitees are nobles.

Adi's friends are also invited, but they, too, work as servants. Most of them serve prestigious families, and as expected, they all have good manners.

For Sylvino, and especially for someone from the slums, it's no wonder that Eleane feels intimidated. No matter how much she has continued to socialize with Mary and the others since that incident, it remains an unrealistic world for her.

Therefore, while the young Anna's eyes shine at the dazzling scene, Eleane is restless and uneasy.

"Miss Mary, I really don't think I belong in such a place... Even though you prepared a dress for me, I feel like I'm being worn by the dress."

"Don't say that. You're a senior to me as a mother. Besides, the dress suits you. It's incomparable to a certain princess who once appeared at one of our family parties in an incredibly tacky dress."

Mary's voice turned sour as she recalled the tacky dress, which she still couldn't forget. It was a dress that had been outdated, with a one-point embellishment on the crucial parts, and she even carried a parasol to a ball. No one could ever surpass that.

The princess in question, of course, was...

"I still have that dress."

Alicia interjected, a mischievous smile on her face. Why, Mary wondered.

"Would you like me to wear it again?"

"Stop it. If you show up in that outfit again, I'll call you a party crasher."

Mary glared sharply at Alicia, who was laughing happily. She placed her hand protectively over her abdomen and turned her back to Alicia. Although her belly was still gently rounded, it was noticeable on her slender, petite frame.

When she deliberately moved away from Alicia, a pitiful protest arose, as if Alicia had sensed Mary's intention.

Eleane and Anna laughed happily.

"Anna, Parfait and Gaius are over there. Go and greet them. Your brothers will guide you."

When Mary called out, Anna responded joyfully. She bounced up, and her pink skirt swayed adorably.

Seeing this, Lang and Lucian extended their hands to Eleane simultaneously. Was it just Mary's imagination, or did they seem unusually eager?

"Eleane, my escort is perfect. Come, take my hand!"

"Eleane, I'm actually quite good at escorting... Come on..."

Caught between the two, Eleane was at a loss.

It was understandable that she was confused, given that this was her first party, and being approached by the Albert heirs simultaneously would be bewildering for any young lady. Even a well-bred young lady would be hesitant in this situation.

Her hand hovered in the air, unable to choose either.

But then, a hand reached out from the side and took hers.

It was Robert. He smiled gently and said, "If you're unsure, I'll do it," and led Eleane away.

Anna chased after them happily, and Lang and Lucian, snapping out of their daze, followed as well.

Mary's eyes widened in surprise at the sequence of events.

But upon reflection, her brothers had been unusually attentive to Anna and Eleane recently. They often visited the manor even when Mary didn't invite them.

Were they reminiscing about Mary's childhood through young Anna, or practicing for the possibility of Mary having a daughter?

Or did they have other intentions...?

"But it's impossible to guess what my brothers are thinking. It's a waste of time to try. Whatever happens, it will shake the social scene."

Mary quickly changed her thoughts and watched Anna and Eleane leave.

Anna laughed carefree and happily, and Eleane, though tense, had a calm expression. The unhealthy look she had when Mary first met her was gone.

It was good... Mary sighed in relief.

Although the improvement of the territory was still ongoing, Anna and Eleane, as well as those who had suffered in that place, were now living peacefully. This was thanks to the immediate actions of Gaius and Parfait, and the support of those around them.

There was still a long way to go, but a better future awaited.

For Anna and the others, and of course, for Mary.

As she stroked her belly, a hand reached out from the side. It was Alicia's hand, tentatively approaching Mary's abdomen.

"Don't touch!" Mary slapped Alicia's hand away, and she began fidgeting with a cushion.

She even placed the cushion on her lap and spoke to it as if it were a child. Was she petting the top of the cushion as if it were a head?

Mary couldn't help but laugh at this playful exchange. In the midst of it, she heard her name called.

It was Patrick, with Adi by his side.

"I brought Adi. Can you switch with Alicia?"

"Of course, I welcome her. Go on, leave that child and go to Patrick."

She nudged Alicia with her elbow, and she stood up with a smile, bowing. She would probably return soon, but for now, she seemed content to stand beside Patrick, leaning into him.

Patrick looked happy too, and he waved as he left.

Was this his way of congratulating them, or a gesture of "take your time," or perhaps a celebration of the decision of the Albert heir? Or was he saying, "don't interrupt us while we enjoy this sweet moment"?

As Mary watched them leave, Adi sat down beside her.

She could only shrug at his overprotective behavior of straightening the cushions.

The ban she had previously issued had been forgotten, and the number of cushions had only increased. Recently, she had started to think that being buried in cushions was better than being wrapped in a blanket.

"Really, if it's like this now, what will happen when the baby is born?"

"Well, as a father, it's natural to protect one's family."

"You've finally admitted it. But let's just say you'll be a reliable father."

As Mary stroked her belly, Adi looked embarrassed.

When he placed his hand over hers, it was unclear who he was comforting.

"The doctor said I'm in perfect health, so we'll meet soon."

"I can't wait. By the way, about the bell sound—"

"That again?"

Mary laughed it off.

The bell sound, she had been hearing about it since the pregnancy was discovered. It must be a symbol of their happiness.

But wasn't it a bit exaggerated? Mary chuckled, and Adi smiled.

"Miss, you are the youngest of the Albert family. There are no younger siblings among close relatives."

"That's true. That's why I didn't know how to handle children. But Eleane taught me, and I learned from Anna, so I'm fine now."

I won't fall behind, Mary declared proudly.

Since the incident in Sylvino, while she had decided to be a spectator in the improvement of the territory, Mary had not just been buried in cushions. She had been studying to become a mother.

She had talked to nearby mothers like Cail and Eleane and learned how to touch a baby from a nurse. —For some reason, Alicia and Parfait were always there, and it was concerning how knowledgeable they were becoming alongside Mary—

So, she was confident, but Adi corrected her.

"That's not what I meant. The bell sound."

"Really, you're still talking about that? I understand that the bell sound seems like a symbol of happiness."

"No, it's not a symbol. As the youngest, you wouldn't know, but the Albert family has a tradition that has been passed down through generations."

He paused dramatically and gently placed his hand on Mary's belly.

His rust-colored eyes narrowed affectionately as he stroked it.

Mary smiled gently...

Clang...

The high, beautiful sound made her catch her breath and look up at the sky.

That was definitely the sound of a bell...

"It really rang! Wait, we have a bell!?"

Where is it! Mary's exasperated voice was followed by another bell sound.

Chapter 7 ends here.

Thank you for your reviews, points, and support!

I will continue to write short stories, so I hope you will follow along.

Will Mary and Adi's child be a boy or a girl? What will their personality be like? Will they have pigtails?

These will be revealed in the upcoming short stories, so stay tuned!

Additionally, I have started writing a new story called "Delicious World for Two!" about food. I hope you will read it as well. It's all about eating.

Thank you for your continued support as the short stories continue!